Cone with torque transmitting segments for non-friction dependent continuous variable transmissions

ABSTRACT

A cone to which one/several torque transmitting flexible segment(s) is/are attached. The flexible segment(s) have teeth, which will be used to transmit torque between a coupling member and the cone with out the need of friction. The flexible segment(s) is/are attached so that it/they can slide in the axial direction of the cone. When slid in the axial direction, the pitch of the teeth of the flexible segment(s) remain constant so that one coupling member can engage with the teeth of the flexible segment(s) regardless of the axial location of the flexible segment(s) relative to the cone to which it is attached. The cone with torque transmitting flexible segment(s) can be used to construct various Continuous Variable Transmissions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATONS

[0001] This invention is entitled to the benefit of Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/220,532, Filed Jul. 26, 2000. Variation of thisinvention has been discussed in application, Ser. No. 09/637,437 andProvisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/252375.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to variable torque/speed transmission,specifically to a variable transmission where the transmission ratio canbe varied continuously between any two predetermined values.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0003] In most applications the transmission ratio, which is the torquevs. speed ratio transmitted by a motor or engine, needs to be adjustablein order for the motor or engine to operate efficiently and effectively.For example, for a vehicle, during start-up, assuming that it is on alevel road, the engine needs to provide torque to accelerate the vehicleand torque to overcome the resisting forces mainly due to friction andwind resistance, which is insignificant during start-up. Once thevehicle has reached its desired speed, again assuming that it is onlevel road, the engine only needs to provide torque to overcome theresisting forces, which in this case are likely to be greater thanduring start-up but less than the combined torque needed duringstart-up. Hence in this case the torque that the engine needs to provideis less than needed during start-up. However, here the engine needs torotate the output shaft at a higher speed since the desired speed of thevehicle is assumed to be greater than the speed of the vehicle duringstart-up. From the example above it can be seen that during start-up,the engine needs to provide a relatively large torque and operate at arelatively low speed. And once the desired speed is reached, the engineneeds to provide a relatively small torque and operate at a relativelyhigh speed. Here a relatively large torque would be wasteful and makesthe engine/motor inefficient. Hence in order to increase the efficiencyof the motor/engine most vehicles have a transmission, which can varythe torque vs. speed ratio of the engine/motor.

[0004] Most vehicles, such as cars, bikes, or motorcycles use a discretevariable transmission. Here the operator can select between severaldiscrete transmission ratios usually by selecting an input gear orsprocket to be coupled to an output gear or sprocket. The main advantageof a continuous variable transmission (CVT) over a discrete variabletransmission is that a CVT can provide the engine/motor with a moreefficient transmission ratio under most conditions.

[0005] It seems that CVTs are not extensively used because most CVTsneed to use friction to transmit torque. The need of friction limits thetorque that can be transmitted using a CVT. This is because materialshave a strength limit and coefficient of friction limit. Also thesedevices are most likely less efficient than variable transmissions thatuse gears or timing belts because of slippage. And using a gearbox toreduce the torque that needs to be transmitted will increase the cost ofthe CVT and reduce the efficiency and reliability of the CVT.Furthermore, although the need of friction to transmit torque incontinuously variable transmissions might be avoided by using intricatemechanisms, the efficiency of the mechanisms are most likelyconsiderably less than that of gears, belts, or chains

[0006] Various CVTs are shown in pages 22-30 and 22-31 of ILLUSTRATEDSOURCEBOOK of MECHANICAL COMPONENTS by Parmley, which are attached atthe end of this document. Most devices shown in these pages make use ofcones, which are coupled by a wheel or a belt. Also, all CVTs shown inthese pages, relay on friction to transmit torque.

[0007] Since a cone is extensively used in CVTs, it seems that a conewould be an ideal device to use in a continuously variable transmission,if it was not for the need of friction to transmit torque between a coneand a coupling member.

SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with the present invention a cone with one/severaltorque transmitting flexible segment(s), that can be used to constructCVTs that do not relay on friction to transmit torque, some which arediscussed in the application.

[0009] Objectivs and Advantage

[0010] Accordingly, besides the objectives and advantages of the conewith torque transmitting flexible segment(s) described in my abovepatent, several objectives and advantages of the present invention are:

[0011] (a) To provide a cone with a/several torque transmittingsegment(s) that can be used to construct CVTs that do not relay onfriction to transmit torque.

[0012] (b) To provide several CVTs, which use at least one cone witha/several torque transmitting segment(s), that have better efficiencythan friction dependent CVTs of prior art due to the elimination ofslippage.

[0013] (c) To provide several CVTs, which use at least one cone witha/several torque transmitting segment(s), that is able to transmit moretorque than friction dependent CVTs of prior art. Still furtherobjectives and advantages will become apparent from a consideration ofthe ensuing description and drawings.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0014] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number butdifferent alphabetic suffixes.

[0015]FIGS. 1A and 1B show the general configuration for the cone withflexible segment(s), where a flexible segment is positioned at thelarger end of the cone. FIGS. 1C and 1D show the general configurationfor the cone with flexible segment(s), where a flexible segment ispositioned at the smaller end of the cone. This cone s labeled as cone26.

[0016]FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are drawings of a cone with two flexiblesegments, which are placed opposite of each other. This cone is labeledas cone 26A

[0017]FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are drawings of a cone with one flexiblesegments and one non-toothed flexible segment, which is placed oppositeof the flexible segment. This cone is labeled as cone 26B. In addition,FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D also show a mover mechanism that will be usedto move the flexible segment(s) and non-toothed flexible segment(s)attached on a cone in the axial direction.

[0018]FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are drawings of a cone with one flexiblesegment, which at the smaller end of the cone covers less than half ofthe circumferential area of the cone. This cone is labeled as cone 26C.

[0019]FIGS. 5A and 5B shows a CVT using two cones 26A. This CVT will belabeled as CVT1.

[0020]FIG. 6A is a top-view a CVT that uses two cones 26B, which arecoupled to two transmission pulleys. This CVT will be labeled as CVT2.

[0021]FIG. 6B is a top-view a CVT that uses two cones 26C, which arecoupled to two transmission pulleys. This CVT will also be labeled asCVT2.

[0022]FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional front view of CVT at the axialmidpoint of a flexible segment, which is positioned at the larger end ofcone 26B.

[0023]FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional front view of CVT at the axialmidpoint of a flexible segment, which is positioned at the smaller endof cone 26B.

[0024]FIG. 6E shows a joiner mechanism that will be used to connectedthe slider bushing of cones 26B. A slider bushings is used to move ormaintain the axial position of several flexible segment(s) relative tothe surface of its respective cone.

Reference Numerals in Drawings

[0025]12 driver shaft

[0026]14 driven shaft

[0027]16 shaft

[0028]26A cone A

[0029]26B cone B

[0030]26C cone C

[0031]27 slot

[0032]28 inter-segment space

[0033]36 attachment sleeve

[0034]37 end cover

[0035]38 support sleeve

[0036]46 flexible segment

[0037]46N non-toothed flexible segment

[0038]47 teeth on flexible segment

[0039]48 attachment plate

[0040]49 attachment wheel (so it rolls)

[0041]55 slider bushing

[0042]56 rotor

[0043]57 telescope

[0044]66 loop

[0045]67 transmission belt

[0046]75 connector

[0047]75B connectorB

[0048]76 gear rack

[0049]77 gear

[0050]85 marked wheel

[0051]86 marked wheel decoder (sensor)

[0052]96 slider joiner base

[0053]97 slider joiner rod

[0054]98 transmission pulley

[0055]99 spline sleeve

[0056]105 tensioning wheel

[0057]106 tensioning slider

[0058]107 tensioning constrainer

[0059]108 tensioning mover

[0060]109 tensioning actuator

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION-PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] The inventor believes that there is no best method to utilizethis invention. Here for some machines one variation, say variation A,works better than the other, say variation B, but the opposite is alsotrue for some other machines. However, the inventor will clearlyidentify the advantages of one variation over the other.

[0062] Here first the basic idea of the invention will be presented inthe General Cone Section. Then some alternate configuration of theinvention, labeled as cone 26 A, cone 26B, and Cone 26C will bepresented. Next, a mover mechanism for the invention will be described.Finally, several preferred configurations for a Continuous VariableTransmission (CVT) utilizing the invention will be presented.

[0063] General Cone (cone 26)-FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, & 1D

[0064] The corner stone of the invention is shown in FIG. 1A, 1B, 1C,and 1D. It consists of a cone 26, which is keyed to shaft 16, to whichone/several flexible segment(s) or group of flexible segment(s) 46is/are attached. The flexible segment(s) 46 will be used to transmittorque from a coupling member to cone 26 without the need of friction.In FIG. 1A/B/C/D, one flexible segment 46, which consists of onecontinuous member is used. Having a group of flexible segments attachedon cone 26 so that it forms one/several continuous segments on the cone22 would also work.

[0065] The flexible segment 46 is channel shaped, with two sides and abase. Here the bottom surface of the base of the flexible segment 46rests on the surface of the cone, and a leveling loop 66 rests on thetop surface of the base of flexible segment 46. The purpose of theleveling loop 66 is to provide a level-resting place for a couplingmember. The inner side surfaces of flexible segment 46 have teeth 47,which will be used to transmit torque between a coupling member and cone26. The flexible segment 46 is preferably made out of steel reinforcedrubber. In order prolong the live of the flexible segments 46, andreduce the required force to slide the flexible segments 46 to adifferent axial position on the surface of the cone, the bottom surfaceof the base of the flexible segments should be PTFE coated. Furthermore,the flexible segment 46 has one attachment plate 48 attached near itsends. The heads of the attachment plates 48 are preferably molded intothe flexible segments 46. The length of flexible segment 46 can bevaried according to the need of the CVT where the flexible segment isutilized.

[0066] In order to attach the flexible segments 46 to the cone 26, thecone 26 has two slots 27. Here the attachment plates 48 of the flexiblesegment 46 are placed in the slots 27, and secured to cone 26 using anattachment wheel 49. The attachment wheels 49 are aligned so that theyroll when the flexible segment 46 is moved from one axial position oncone 26 to another. Furthermore, the attachment plates 48 can also beused to attach a mover mechanism, which will be described in thefollowing sections, used to move the flexible segment 46.

[0067] The flexible segment 46 is attached on cone 26 so that it canonly slide in the axial direction of the cone, which is the directionalong the length of shaft 16. The arc length and hence pitch of theflexible segment 46 remains constant regardless of its location on cone26. Therefore, here one coupling member is able to transmit torque tocone 26 via the flexible segment 46 at all axial locations of theflexible segment 46 on the cone 26.

[0068] Furthermore, in order to prevent a coupling member such astransmission belt to deform as it comes in and out of contact withflexible segment 46, the surface of cone 26 that will not be covered byflexible segment 46, should be made flush with the top surface of thebase of flexible segment 46. Another method would be to eliminate thebase of the flexible segment entirely, so that the two side surfaces offlexible segment 46 sit directly on the surface of the cone. This can beachieved by constructing flexible segment 46 out of two side surfaces,which will be joined beneath the surface of cone 26. In order to reducevibrations due to the centrifugal force of flexible segment 46, the coneshould be properly balanced

[0069] The cones should be made out of die-cast stainless steel. And inorder to obtain better dimensional tolerances and a smoother surfacefinish the cones obtained from the die-cast process should are machined.This invention does not relay on friction on the surface of the cones totransmit torque. And since it is also desirable to minimize the frictionbetween the transmission belt and the surface of the cone, the surfaceof the cone should be PTFE coated. This will minimize the forcenecessary to change to the position of flexible segment 46 on cone 26,and will extend the live of flexible segment 46.

[0070] Cone 26A-FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, & 2D

[0071] Cone 26A, is a cone 26 with the restriction described in thissection. Cone 26A has two flexible segments 46, which are attachedopposite from each other on the surface of the cone. Furthermore, at thesmallest end of cone 26A, each flexible segment 46 covers less than halfof the circumference surface area of cone 26 at the axial section wherethe flexible segments 46 is located. The space between the flexiblesegments 46 will be referred to as the inter-segments space 28. Also,since cone 26A is symmetrical about its axis of rotation, there is noneed to balance this cone.

[0072] Cone 26B-FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, & 3D

[0073] The only difference between cone 26A and cone 26B is that forcone 26B one flexible segment 46 is replaced with a non-toothed flexiblesegment 46N. The non-toothed flexible segment 46N is identical to theflexible segment 46 except that its inner side surfaces are not toothed.The function of non-toothed flexible segment 46N is to counterbalancethe centrifugal force of flexible segment 46 and contain thetransmission belt that will be used as a coupling member.

[0074] Cone 26C-FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, & 4D

[0075] Cone 26A, is a cone 26 with the restriction described in thissection. Here, at the smaller end of cone 26C, the flexible segment 46covers less than half of the circumferential surface area of cone 26C atthe axial location where the flexible segment 46 is positioned. Likebefore, in order to reduce vibration due to the centrifugal force of theflexible segment

[0076] Moving Mechanism-FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, & 3D

[0077] The flexible segments 46 and the non-toothed flexible segments46N will be moved relative to the surface of the cone to which they areattached using a mover mechanism. Here the non-toothed flexible segments46N are attached to the mover mechanism in the same manner as theflexible segments 46. However for clarity the non-toothed flexiblesegments 46N will not be referred to in this section.

[0078] The mover mechanism consists of a slider bushing 55, which isattached to a shaft in such a manner that it tightly fits onto the shaftbut is free to slide along the length of the shaft. A rotor 56 is fittedinto the slider. A locking collar will be used to fix the axial positionof rotor 56 relative to slider bushing 55, however rotor 56 is free torotate on slider bushing 55. In order to attach telescopes 57 to rotor56, pin-holed plates are attached to the outer surface of rotor 56. Thetelescopes 57 will be used to attach the flexible segments 46 to rotor56, so that the axial position of the flexible segment(s) 46 depend(s)on the axial position of rotor 56. The length of telescopes 57 can varyso that they can connect the flexible segment(s) 46 to rotor 56 when theflexible segment(s) 46 is/are located at the smallest end of cone26(A/B/C) and at the largest end of their cone 26 (A/B/C). The bottomend of each telescope 57 has a two pin-holed plates, which will be usedto join the bottom end of each telescope 57 to a pin-holed plate on therotor using a bolt and nut or a locking pin. The top end of eachtelescope 57 has an attachment plate, which is free to rotate only alongthe axis of rotation of cone 26(A/B/C). The attachment plate of atelescope 57 is joined to an attachment plate 48 of a flexible segment46 using a bolt and a nut or a locking pin. All parts discussed aboveare preferably made out of stainless steel, except the slider bushing55, which is preferably made out of oil-impregnated bronze. Hence, usingthis mechanism the axial location of the flexible segments 46 or thenon-toothed flexible segments 46N on the cones 26 and the cones26(A/B/C) can be changed by changing the axial location of sliderbushing 55.

[0079] Continuous Variable Transmission Variation 1 (CVT1)-FIGS. 5A & 5B

[0080] CVT1 consist of a pair of cones 26A, each equipped with a movermechanism described in the previous paragraph, that are coupled by atransmission belt 67. Here one cone 26A will be keyed to a driver shaft12 and the other cone 26A will be keyed to a driven shaft 16. Heretorque between the cones 26A is transmitted via the timing belt 67,which axial location is fixed relative to the flexible segments 46. Thetransmission ratio depends on the location of the flexible segments 46on the surface of the cones 26A. Under this configuration, the length oftransmission belt 67 should be perpendicular to the length of the drivenshaft 12 and driving shaft 14. In order to achieve this, the sliderbushing 55 on the driver shaft 12 and the slider bushing 55 on thedriven shaft 14 are rigidly connected using a connector 75. In order tochange the transmission ratio, an actuator, will be used to change theaxial position of the connector 75, which in turn will change the axiallocation of transmission belt 67 on the cones 26A.

[0081] Under this configuration transmission belt 67 is only moveablewhen it is not in contact with one complete inter-segment space 28 of acone 26A. This is because the arc length of an inter-segment space 28changes as the axial location of the transmission belt 68 is changed.Hence changing the position of transmission belt 68 while it is contactwith a complete inter-segment space 29 will stretch the transmissionbelt 68.

[0082] In order to solve this problem, the actuator, is equipped with aspring-loaded piston. Here when the transmission belt 67 is in amoveable position, than the flexible segments 46 will move with theactuator. However, when the transmission belt 67 is not in a moveableposition then moving the actuator 75 will not move the flexible segments46 but will stretch or compress spring loaded, until a limit switch onthe spring-loaded piston are activated. And once both cones have rotatedto a moveable position than the tension or compression in thespring-loaded piston will move the transmission belt 68 in the directionthe actuator 75 was moved.

[0083] When the transmission belt 68 is in a position where the cone 26Aon the driver shaft 12 rotates at the same speed as the cone 26A on thedriven shaft 14. Then the transmission belt 67 can get stuck in aposition where the transmission belt 67 is not moveable. One method toavoid this problem is to have a configuration where the smaller end ofone cone 26A is slightly larger than the larger end of the other cone26A. Under this configuration the cones 26A will never rotate at thespeed, so that the angular position of one cone 26A relative to theother cone 26A changes with the rotation of the cones 26A.

[0084] Another method to avoid having the transmission belt stuck in anunmovable position is to have a mover control system control themovement of the actuator. Here, every time the actuator is about to movethe transmission belt 67 to position where the transmission ratiobetween the cones 26A is unity, the mover control system will stop theactuator. Then the mover control system will wait until both cones 26Ahave moved to a angular position so that transmission belt 67 will be ina moveable position once the actuator moves it to the position where thetransmission ratio between the cones 26A is unity. In order for thissystem to work the actuator needs to be fast enough so that the speedvariation of the input shaft will not significantly affect the radialposition of the flexible segments 46 when they are being moved by theactuator. Here the mover control system consists of several sensors, acomputer, and an actuator.

[0085] In order for the mover control system to determine the angularposition and angular speed of the cones 26A, a marked wheel 85 is keyedto the driver shaft 12 and to driven shaft 14, and a marked wheeldecoder 86 is attached to the frame of the CVT. Furthermore, in order todetermine the axial locations of the flexible segments 46, a gear rack76 is attached so that it moves with the actuator, and a gear 77, whichengages the gear rack 76 is attached to the frame of the CVT. A markedwheel 85 is attached to the gear, and a marked wheel decoder 86 decodesthe information from this marked wheel 85. The information from thesensors above will be transmitted and processed by a computer, whichwill then use this information to properly move the actuator.

[0086] Since the mover control system can also be used to determine whenthe transmission belt 67 is in a moveable position, the spring-loadedpiston is not needed for this design. Furthermore, when gear 77 iscoupled to a rotary actuator it can be used as the actuator, whichcontrols the axial position of the transmission belt 67 (FIG. 5A).

[0087] Continuous Variable Transmission Variation 2 (CVT2)-FIGS. 6A, 6B,6C, 6D, & 6E

[0088] CVT2 consist of either two cones 26B, which are keyed to a drivershaft 12 so that the flexible segment 46 of one cone 26B is oppositefrom the flexible segment 46 of the other cone 26B, or two cones 26C,which are attached in the same manner. Each cone 26(B/C) is coupled to atransmission pulley 98 by a transmission belt 68. The transmissionpulleys 98 are attached on the driven shaft 14.

[0089] In order to avoid having to use the leveling loop 66 for thisCVT, the bottom surface of the base of each transmission belt 68 and thesurface of each transmission pulley 98 has to be angled so that theentire bottom surface of each transmission belt 68 can rest on thesurface its respective cone 26C and transmission pulley 98 without beingtwisted.

[0090] Here, the transmission ratio is controlled by controlling theaxial location of the flexible segments 46 relative to their respectivecones using the mover mechanism described in the previous sections. Inorder to ensure that the axial location of the flexible segments 46relative to their respective cones 26(B/C) is identical, the sliderbushing 55 of each cone 26(B/C) are rigidly connected using a sliderjoiner base 97 and slider joiner rods 97 (FIG. 6E). The change in axiallocation of the flexible segments 46 has to be accompanied by the changein axial location of the transmission pulleys 98. In order to achievethis, the transmission pulleys 98 are keyed to a spline sleeve 99, whichis free to slide along the length of the driven shaft 14 but is not freeto rotate relative to driven shaft 14.

[0091] Furthermore, the slider bushing 55 of the cone 26(B/C) locatedcloses to an actuator and the spline sleeve 99 are connected by aconnector2 75B so that the flexible segments 46 are properly alignedwith the transmission pulleys 99.

[0092] Furthermore, in order to avoid creating an excessive slack in thetransmission belts 67 as they and are moved from the larger ends ofcones 26(B/C) to the smaller ends of cones 26(B/C), each transmissionbelt 67 is equipped with a tensioning mechanism. The tensioningmechanism consists of two tensioning wheels 105, two tensioning sliders106, two tensioning constrainers 107, a tensioning moverl08, and atensioning actuator 109. The tensioning wheels 105 will be attached sothat they touch the base of the transmission belts 67 at the midpointbetween the driver shaft 12 and the driven shaft 14. Each tensioningwheel 105 is attached to a tensioning slider 106. Each tensioning slider106 slides on a tensioning constrainer 107. Furthermore, in order tomove a tensioning slider 106, each tensioning slider 106 has twovertical sleeves. Tensioning constrainer 107 is angled so that thetensioning wheels 105 will eliminate excessive slack in the transmissionbelts 67 as it is moved from the larger end of the cones 26(B/C) to thesmaller ends of the cones 26(B/C). Furthermore, the tensioning actuator109 will be used to move the tensioning slider 106 and hence thetensioning wheels 105 with the transmission belts 67, when thetransmission belts 67 are moved to a different axial position. Thetensioning mover 108 consists mainly of two pairs of vertical guides,which move with the tensioning actuator 109. Here the vertical sleevesof the tensioning sliders 106 will slide on the vertical guides of thetensioning mover 108, so that the vertical movements of the tensioningsliders 106 will not be constricted by the movement of the tensioningactuator 109. Furthermore, tensioning wheels 105 should have smoothnon-teethed side surfaces to maintain the alignment of the transmissionbelts 67, this is especially important if cones 26C are used.

[0093] The main advantage of CVT2 over CVT1 is that the transmissionratio can be changed regardless of the radial position of the cones.This increases the reliability and response time of CVT2. Also here thesurface of the transmission pulleys 98 can be made so that there is noneed for the leveling loop 66. However, CVT2 needs two transmissionbelts 67 in order to operate properly, while CVT1 only needs one. Thisand the fact that CVT1 also need two timing pulley's 95 reduces thereliability of CVT2 and might increases the price of CVT2

[0094] Advantages

[0095] From the description above, a number of advantages of the conewith torque transmitting segments become evident:

[0096] (a) Compared to discrete transmission ratio transmission, whichis used in almost any high torque application, one/several cone(s) withtorque transmitting segment(s) can be used to construct a CVT, whichallows the engine/motor to perform more efficiently. This is because inmost cases a CVT will be able to provide a more efficient transmissionratio than a discrete transmission ratio transmission.

[0097] (b) Compared to friction dependent CVTs, one/several cone(s) withtorque transmitting segments can be used to construct a CVT with highertorque capacity, higher efficiency, and longer live.

[0098] Operation

[0099] In order to use one/several cone(s) 26, the designer firstdetermines the requirements and constraints of the CVT needed. Fromthere he/she can construct a CVT using one/several cone(s) 26 accordingto his/her needs.

[0100] In order to use a CVT constructed out of one/several cone(s) 26,such as CVT1 and CVT2, the operator first couples a motor or engine tothe input shaft 12 of the CVT and couples the member to be driven to theoutput shaft 14 of the CVT. Next, in order to change the transmissionratio, which is achieved by changing the axial location of thetransmission belt 68, he/she manually or automatically moves anactuator.

[0101] Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope

[0102] Accordingly the reader will see that the cone with torquetransmitting flexible segments can be used to construct a non-frictiondependent Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), which has thefollowing advantages over an existing Variable Transmissions:

[0103] Compared to Discrete Variable Transmissions, it is able toprovide a more efficient transmission ratio for the motor or engineunder most circumstances due to its infinite transmission ratio over apredetermined range.

[0104] It provides a torque transmission ability and efficiency almostas good as transmissions utilizing gears, and sprocket and chains, whichhave not yet been effectively used to construct CVTs. Gears, andsprocket and chains are currently almost used in any high torquetransmission application due to their superior torque transmissionability and efficiency over any other transmissions. Hence the CVTtransmissions constructed out of the cone(s) with torque transmittingflexible segments will most likely provide higher torque transmissionability and efficiency over other CVT transmissions. Although thedescription above contains many specificities, these should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providingillustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of thisinvention. For example, a CVT can be constructed out of one cone 26Adescribed above coupled to a timing pulley. Under this configurationonly one cone 26A is needed, and the transmission belt 67 will never getstuck in an unmovable position.

[0105] Furthermore by using a cone 26D, which is identical to cones 26described in the general cone section, except for having a flexiblesegment 46 with a square cross section instead of a channel shaped one,gears can used to transmit torque from one/several cones 26D on a drivershaft to a driven shaft and vice versa. For example if the arc length ofthe flexible segment 46 at the largest end of the cone 26D is not lessthan half the circumference of cone 26D at that axial location, than aCVT can be constructed where two gears, which are attached so that theycan engage with the teeth 47 of the flexible segment 46, sandwich a cone26D. Also a CVT, which consist of several cones 26D, which engagedirectly with another cone 26D can also be designed. The CVTs mentionedin this paragraph need additional parts to be workable. However giventhe time and need, a workable model for the designs mentioned in thisparagraph as well as many other design could be conceived. Here theconcept of the cone with torque transmitting flexible segments might betreated like a gear, which can be used to construct a device accordingto the specific requirements and constraints of the designer. Thus thescope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims andtheir legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

I claim:
 1. A cone assembly that can be used to construct variousnon-friction dependent CVTs, comprising: (a) A cone (b) At least onetorque transmitting flexible segment or one group of torque transmittingsegment, which is/are attached to said cone in such a manner thatit/they partially wrap around the surface of said cone and can onlyslide in the direction of the axis of rotation of the cones. The arclength of each said flexible segment or group of flexible segmentremains constant as it is being slid from the smaller end of said coneto the larger end of said cone. (c) Means for slide-ably attaching saidflexible segment(s) to the surface of said cone.
 2. The cone assembly ofclaiml wherein surface of said cone has several slots used to slide-ablyattach said flexible segment(s) to said cone.
 3. The cone assembly ofclaim 2 wherein attachment plates are molded to the bottom surface ofsaid flexible segments. Then in order to secure the said flexiblesegments to the said cone, the said attachment plates are placed in saidslots of said cone and secured using an attachment wheel.
 4. The coneassembly of claim 1 wherein radial cross sections of said flexiblesegments are channel shaped with two sides and a base.
 5. The coneassembly of claim 4 wherein inner surfaces of said sides of saidflexible segment are toothed.
 6. The cone assembly of claim 5 wherein aleveling loop is placed between said sides of said flexible segment. Thesaid leveling loop will-be used to provide a level-resting surface for atransmission belt on the surface of said cone assembly.
 7. The coneassembly of claim 6 wherein two said flexible segments are placedopposite from one another on the surface of said cone. Also at thesmaller end of the said cone each said flexible segment covers less thanhalf of the circumferential surface of the said cone.
 8. A continuousvariable transmission (CVT), comprising: a) Two shafts. b) Two said coneassemblies of claim 7, each attached to a different said shaft. The apexof one said cone assembly is opposite of the apex of the other said coneassembly. c) A transmission belt, used to couple said cone assemblies.d) Means for changing the transmission ratio by changing the axialposition of said flexible segments and said transmission belt. e) Meansfor controlling the said means for changing the transmission ratio. 9.The CVT of claim 8 wherein the transmission ratio is changed by changingthe axial position of said flexible segments using a mechanismcomprising of: a) A slider bushing, which is slide-ably attached to saidshafts. b) A rotor attached to said slider bushing so that it is notrestricted to rotate relative to said slider bushing, but is fixedrelative to said slider bushing in the axial direction. c) A telescopeconnecting the said attachment plates of said flexible segment to saidrotor.
 10. The cone assembly of claim 5 wherein said cone has oneflexible segment and one non-toothed flexible segment, which is placedopposite of said flexible segment. Also at the smallest end of saidcone, said flexible segment and said non-toothed flexible segment coverless than half of the circumferential surface of the said cone.
 11. ACVT, comprising: a) Two shafts b) Two said cone assemblies of claim 10,which are keyed on one said shaft in a manner so that said flexiblesegment of one said cone assembly is opposite of said flexible segmentof the other said cone assembly. The apex of both said cone assembliespoint in the same direction. c) Two transmission pulleys. d) A splinesleeve to which said transmission pulleys are keyed. The said splinesleeve is attached to one said shaft in such a manner that it can slidealong the length of said shaft, but cannot rotate relative to saidshaft. e) Two transmission belts. Each said transmission belt will beused to couple one said cone assembly to one said transmission pulley.f) Means for changing the transmission ratio by changing the axialposition of the said flexible segments, the said transmission pulleys,and the said transmission belt. g) Means for eliminating the slack insaid transmission belt that forms when the said transmission belt ismoved from the larger end of said cone assemblies to the smaller end ofsaid cone assemblies.
 12. The CVT of claim 11 wherein means for changingthe axial position of the said flexible segment and the said non-toothedflexible segment utilizes the mechanism of claim
 9. 13. The coneassembly of claim 5 wherein said cone has one said flexible segment.Also at the smallest end of said cone, said flexible segment cover lessthan half of the circumferential surface of the said cone.
 14. A CVT,comprising: a) Two shafts b) Two said cone assemblies of claim 13, whichare keyed on one said shaft in a manner so that said flexible segment ofone said cone assembly is opposite of said flexible segment of the othersaid cone assembly. The apex of both said cone assemblies point in thesame direction. c) Two transmission pulleys. d) A spline sleeve to whichsaid transmission pulleys are keyed. The said spline sleeve is attachedto one said shaft in such a manner that it can slide along the length ofsaid shaft, but cannot rotate relative to said shaft. e) Twotransmission belts. Each said transmission belt will be used to coupleone said cone assembly to one said transmission pulley. f) Means forchanging the transmission ratio by changing the axial position of thesaid flexible segments, the said transmission pulleys, and the saidtransmission belt. g) Means for eliminating the slack in saidtransmission belt that forms when the said transmission belt is movedfrom the larger end of said cone assemblies to the smaller end of saidcone assemblies. h) Means for maintaining the alignment of saidtransmission belts.
 15. The CVT of claim 11 wherein means for changingthe axial position of the said flexible segment utilizes the mechanismof claim 9.